If you try to imagine what the Slavs looked like in ancient times, many will describe something like this: an elderly man with long hair in a white shirt. However, this is not entirely true. There are many versions of what the Slavs looked like. The topic of their appearance is very interesting, so it deserves more detailed study.
The habitation of the Slavic tribes
Slavs lived since ancient times in the central part of Europe, in the Carpathians and on the Balkan Peninsula. According to one version, the advance to the eastern part takes place in the period from the 5th to the 7th century AD. If you listen to another, you can hear the version that the Slavs were in Eastern Europe as the indigenous inhabitants of this part of Europe. In total there were three large groups: eastern, western and southern. Pagan beliefs determined not only the spirituality of the Slavs, but also their appearance.
It is impossible to say for sure what the Eastern Slavs looked like. A huge number of tribes lived in this territory. These are such as Vyatichi, Volynians, Krivichi, Radimichi, Croats, Polochans and many others. Each of them had its own characteristic features. Among the general, one can note the fact thatthat the clothes did not have complex details, but the external design was always under special attention. Various patterns, ornaments, figures were embroidered on fabrics. Temporal rings of various types were used for jewelry. On their feet they wore bast shoes. Linen loose shirts were worn under outerwear. The richer a person was, the more clothes he wore. The differences could consist in the color of the preferred fabric, the size, shape and number of decorations, and the methods of weaving bast shoes. It can be unequivocally said that the surrounding nature, the life and way of life of the tribes, as well as their neighbors - the Scythians and Sarmatians, influenced how the ancient Slavs looked.
Are there any similarities with the Vikings?
Some historians categorically reject the image that appears to us as a long-haired man with a beard. This is less like the ancient Slavs, and more in line with the Vikings.
In their opinion, the Slavs opposed cutting hair on their heads and shaving their beards.
Scandinavians took this look from religious traditions. Slavs in those days lived on the B altic coast. Unlike the Vikings, they were carefully shaved and cut their hair very short over the entire head, leaving a forelock on their forehead. And the wise men walked with long hair. The Slavs ridiculed the appearance of Scandinavian men. What the Slavs looked like, scientists are trying to determine from the skeletons found. Thanks to these finds, the descendants have the opportunity to get acquainted with the jewelry, clothing and accessories used by the ancient Slavs. Similarity with Scandinavian outfits is observed in women's hair ornaments andhats.
Appearance of Slavic women
At all times, Slavic women used layered clothing. Moreover, different costumes were intended for each event. Appearance also depended on the age of the woman. A shirt with wide sleeves was always worn over the body. The closer to our time, the more the appearance of the Slavs was filled with luxury. Clothing became more varied. The head was covered with various headdresses. From ribbons to caps of an unusual shape. Women decorated their outfits with beads, which were bright and fell on their chests in several rows. All clothes were long, almost to the very heels. It was decorated with sewn ribbons, small frills and braid. They also liked to wear large earrings and rings.
Men's Slavic costume
Men wore long shirts - undershirts. They were wrapped and girded with a belt. The shirts did not have fasteners, some of them were worn on top. Winter clothing was made from the fur of various animals. These are sheepskin coats and mittens. The pants were wide, they were tied at the waist and at the bottom. We althy people had several of these pants. In winter, woolen ones were put on canvas. Shoes for men and women were made from canvas. They wrapped their legs and attached the sole with straps. The boots were made from a whole piece of leather.
All clothes were embroidered. As time went on, it became more and more.
Hairstyles of the ancient Slavs
Hair and hairstyles occupied a special place in lifeancient Slavs. By the hairstyle it was possible to judge the social status of a person. They cut their hair ritually, observing traditions. This had to be done at a certain period of life. Boys did not grow their hair long and cut it often enough.
The girls had to braid their pigtails. For this reason, they were grown, diligently watched them, caring for them with the help of plant components. Girls wore one or two braids.
Boys grew longer as they grew older. The rest of the head was cut very short. The forelock was a special attribute. The young man was proud of him, sometimes twisted. Adult men most often wore a haircut "in a circle." It is also called "under the pot". It was with the help of this attribute that they did a similar hairstyle. For the Eastern Slavs, this was also generally accepted.
It is impossible to say for sure what the Slavs looked like. One thing is certain, their clothes were comfortable and spacious, regardless of the era.
